There's a lot of confusion around what sexual consent really is. Phrases like "yes means yes," "no means no," and "if it's not yes, it's no" sum it up pretty well: in order for sex to fall into consensual bounds, both people need to enthusiastically agree that they want to do it. Unfortunately, confusion around what consent is and is not—or straight up ignoring it—often translates into sexual assault. Given that April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), now is a better time than ever to educate people about the true meaning of consent, especially in creative ways that really drive home the message. For example, a primer on consent from the United Kingdom's Thames Valley Police illustrates the concept with a delightfully British hook: tea.

In a YouTube video from November 16, 2015 that's making the rounds again, a narrator walks the viewer through various situations that make sense in both sexual and tea-related frameworks. He starts off by saying, "If you're still struggling with consent, just imagine instead of initiating sex, you're making them a cup of tea." At this point, cute stick figures pop up to illustrate. The video starts off with the simplest scenario: "You say, 'Hey, would you like a cup of tea?' And they go, 'Oh my god, I would love a cup of tea, thank you!'" That right there is enthusiastic consent.

The narrator goes on to explain that if one person says they're not sure, the other can make them a cup of tea or not, but the unsure person doesn't owe the other anything. The person who made the tea can't get upset or feel entitled to watch the other drink it, says the narrator. This can apply to so many situations, whether you're making out with someone, they've invited you over, or you're already performing one sex act but don't know if you want to do another. The point is that you and the other person are both allowed to be unsure and make up your minds as time passes. And of course, whenever someone says no thank you, then they clearly don't want tea, so the other person definitely shouldn't make it or force the unwilling person to drink it.

Then the video takes on situations that some may think are nuanced when you're talking about sex, but are crystal-clear when you're talking about tea. Like, what happens if one person says yes to the tea, but then they change their mind when it arrives? What about if they're thrilled at the offer, then become unconscious after they've started drinking? What if last night they were all about drinking tea together, but this morning they're not interested?

In each situation, the answer is the same: they're not saying yes, so making them tea, guilting them about no longer wanting the tea, or making them drink tea is wrong. "If you can understand how completely ludicrous it is to force people to have tea when they don't want tea and you're able to understand when people don't want tea, how hard is it to understand when it comes to sex?" the narrator asks. "Whether it's tea or sex, consent is everything." And really, it's important for everyone to understand regardless of their gender. Not only is it a key part of making sure the person you are or aren't having sex with feels comfortable, understanding consent helps you stay safe, too. Watch the full video below.